Who cleans their seatbelts?

[Finklejag]

My 20 year old Acura’s driverside seat belt hasn’t been retracting easy of late. So I got a bucket with hot water and threw some detergent in it, and let it soak for about a hour. Then I scrubbed with a microfiber towel. I will let it air dry over night. This procedure worked on my 25 year Japanese mini truck in the past. My seat belts are tan, so they show how dirty they are.

 

[KGMtech]

The cleaning is often recommended for slow retraction problem. Getting these dry before retraction is CRITICAL to avoid mold !!

 

[Little_Lebowski]

What are seat belts????

 

[rijndael]

I open the door, fully extend the belts to the outside, and close the door. Then I hit them with the power washer, using the same nozzle I use on the paint. They get clean in like 30 seconds.

 

[Oillover]

Never
I was under the impression they shouldn't be cleaned, as the detergent could weaken their structural integrity in an accident.

 

[The_Jeff]

I open the door, fully extend the belts to the outside, and close the door. Then I hit them with the power washer, using the same nozzle I use on the paint. They get clean in like 30 seconds.

This is how I've seen it done, too.

My owners manual says something about mild soap, so maybe Dawn dish soap and water? Don't use dry cleaning chemicals.

 

[NiwradND]

probable will end up like heavy construction equipment where they are to replace every 10 years or so

 

[BHopkins]

Never
I was under the impression they shouldn't be cleaned, as the detergent could weaken their structural integrity in an accident.

Using the wrong detergent or method, such as a power washer, can definitely reduce the strength of seat belt webbing. One recommended method is to clean seat belts with Woolite.

 

[Lubener]

The only time I have to clean them is when grease and dirt get on them from being caught in the door.

 

[wemay]

I clean mine, 100%

 

[Arc]

That's how it starts. Next thing you know you are removing the dash to clean under it. Plus the console, seats, carpet etc, it becomes an obsession but at least the next owner gets a well cared for car to trash.

 

[yagciogullari]

there is a reason why 99% of the seat belts are in black colour

 

[4wd]

I always carry hand wipes and just use them …

 

[Mainia]

I have cleaned my DOT approved anti-submarine red racing harness 5 times in 5 years. It has a "set lifespan of five years". I use a very slight amount of Dawn dish soap and warm water and it actually cleans up good. Since it is a harness, and your tugging and pulling to get it on. Your handling it a good 20X more then a slide belt. As I am maintenance guy, that surely doesn't help keeping it clean. I have the new belt system sitting in a box that I need to install, as it has reached it's trash date and has some abrasive wear, where I would be changing it out anyway.

 

[wemay]

That's how it starts. Next thing you know you are removing the dash to clean under it. Plus the console, seats, carpet etc, it becomes an obsession but at least the next owner gets a well cared for car to trash.

Spot on!

 

[Dutchy491]

I have cleaned my DOT approved anti-submarine red racing harness 5 times in 5 years. It has a "set lifespan of five years". I use a very slight amount of Dawn dish soap and warm water and it actually cleans up good. Since it is a harness, and your tugging and pulling to get it on. Your handling it a good 20X more then a slide belt. As I am maintenance guy, that surely doesn't help keeping it clean. I have the new belt system sitting in a box that I need to installed, as it has reached it's trash date and has some abrasive wear, where I would be changing it out anyway.

Hey……picture of car

 

[Mainia]

Hey……picture of car

Link in my signature below.

 

[rijndael]

That's how it starts. Next thing you know you are removing the dash to clean under it. Plus the console, seats, carpet etc, it becomes an obsession but at least the next owner gets a well cared for car to trash.

In my defense, I had to do it.

My dog had a very bad seizure in the car on the way to the vet. It left a lot of .... remnants. He didn't make it.

 

[KGMtech]

In my defense, I had to do it.

My dog had a very bad seizure in the car on the way to the vet. It left a lot of .... remnants. He didn't make it.

That would have been horrible, sorry for your loss.

 

[Kira]

the next owner gets a well cared for car to trash.

Possibly the wrong emphasis.
One has an easier time selling a well-cared for car.